Sealed window construction



Oct. 17, 1967 R. D. STRENGHOLT 3,347,008

SEALED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 215, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR. R0! 0. 57/?51/6/017 v fo zwz/ ATTORNEYS 1967 R. D. STRENGHOLTSEALED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 5:

Filed Oct. 25, 1964 INVENTOR f0, 9. ST/ZQVGf/fllf ATTORNEYS UnitedStates Patent 3,347,008 1 SEALED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Roy D. Slrengholt,Holland, Mich., assignor to Donnelly Mirrors, Inc., Holland, Mich., acorporation of Michigan Filed Oct. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 406,050 2 Claims.(Cl. 52-398) This invention relates to sealed double pane windows, andmore particularly to a dual pane window construction with unique edgesealing and clamping structure.

Dual pane windows, to be effective as thermal insulators and free ofinternal condensation, must be completely and thoroughly sealed andclamped around the periphery of the two panes. This is conventionallyachieved by the use of a special, complex, peripheral frame installedduring a relatively elaborate assembly process. Consequently, theresulting structure is relatively expensive. Further, difficulty isoften experienced in maintaining a tight seal when the space between thepanes is filled with an inert gas.

It is an object of this invention to provide a greatly simplified, dualpane, sealed window construction.

Another object of this inventon is to provide the uniquely sealed windowconstruction, achieving pane spacing, peripheral edge sealing, andclamped edge retention, all with a relatively simple edge construction.Moreover, the assembly is relatively easily assembled, with rapidity,therefore resulting in a fairly inexpensive assembly.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sealed windowconstruction with an enclosed space that is evacuated, at leastinitially, in a manner that the external air pressure resulting from theevacuation actually completes and seals the assembly into a usefulstate. Subsequently, or during the sealing operation, if desired, theevacuated space can be filled with an inert gas at atmospheric orsuperatmospheric pressures, while still retaining the sealed retention.

Another more specific object of this invention is to provide aperipheral, combination edge seal and bracket band for dual pane windowassemblies, causing both sealing and clamping retention to occurautomatically with evacuation of the confined space. 1

These and several other objects of this invention will be apparent uponstudying the following specification in conjunction with the drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the preferred first form of the novel dual panewindow construction;

FIG. 2 is a side elevati'onal, sectional view of the window constructionin FIG. 1, taken on plane IIII, as yet unsealed and unclamped; I

FIG. 3 is a side elevational, sectional view of the structure in FIG. 2shown sealed and clamped;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged, sectional view of a portion of thestructure in FIG. 1, taken on plane IV-IV;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second, less preferred form of window,complete andsealed;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the window in FIG. 5 as unsealed;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a third form of the window, complete andsealed; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the window in FIG. 7, unsealed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 through4, the sealed window 10 is here shown to be of circular construction,but may be of rectangular, ovular, or other configurations to fit aparticular frame.

The window 10 is formed of two panes 12 and 14 of like configuration andthickness, spaced from each other to form an internal cavity or space16. Around the periphery of the window is a band 18 of novelconstruction. This band includes a pair of ring-like metallic elements20. More specifically, the two metallic elements 20 and 20' are eachgenerally U-shaped in cross section, and include a pair of radiallyinwardly extending inner flanges 22 and 22', which abut each other toform a fulcrum 24. These extend between the two sealed windows,generally transverse to the peripheral body portions of the elements,and diverge axially outwardly with respect to each other from thefulcrum to the inner faces of the window panes. The elements alsoinclude spaced axial extensions having outer clamping flanges 26 and 26'transverse to the body portions. If desired, these portions can extendaround the entire periphery of the windows. Normally, however, theretention legs need only be at portions of the band, spaced therealong,with the intermediate portions being of foreshortened construction (FIG.4). This foreshortened construction includes the same inner leg portions22 and 22', but terminates short of the outer pane faces as shown.

The metallic elements have a special sealed relation ship with respectto each other and the window pane due to a coating thereon. Morespecifically, the entire outer extent of the metal rings are coated witha layer of resilient, flexible, sealing material such as a neoprenerubber, except at the abutting fulcrum therebetween. This creates acontinuous seal between the two metal elements 20 and 20' including thearea outside of the fulcrum 24 by the continuous sealing layer aroundthe periphery of the band, to prevent gas leakage. Aso, the inner facesof elements 20 and 20' are coated with a continuous layer of rubber toform an optimum gripping relationship on the outer peripheral edge ofthe window panes, to form seals at contact points 32 and 32' of innerflanges 22 and 22' of the inner pane faces, and to help seal along theouter glass edges.

The novel band has a multiple function inherent in its structure. Itforms a spacer between the panes, creates a peripheral seal means topneumatically isolate space 16 from the ambient surroundings, and formsa retention clamping means preventing further separation of the panes,yet holding space 16 at a constant maximum dimension also.

In assembly, these functions are automatically achieved. Morespecifically, space 16 is purposely evacuated after the peripheral bandis attached, to have the configuration illustrated on the right side ofFIGURE 2. This space may be evacuated, for example, by inserting ahollow, sharp member through rubber layer 30, at a special, small,rubber filled gate 40 at one position in the periphery of the band (FIG.2), or any suitable method. When space 16 is evacuated, surrounding airpressure on the outer faces of the panes forces them together, tothereby press the inner pane faces against the contacted edges 32 and 32to seal the unit. It also forces flanges 22 and 22 together aboutfulcrum 24 thereby drawing the extended legs 20 and 20 against theperipheral pane edges to shift flanges 26 and 26 over the edge of theouter pane faces (FIG. 3). The band then forms clamping means tomaintain the tightly engaged relationship as well as sealing, spacing,and support means. The sealed window construction can then be used as anevacuated structure. Alternatively, subsequent to evacuation, space 16can be filled with an inert gas, either at atmospheric orsuper-atmospheric pressures. The sealed relationship will still bemaintained due to the clamping action of the band. Interior pressuredoes not disassemble the window. Normally, the pressures do not exceedatmospheric by an significant amount, but if this is desired, theclamping means can be increased by extending portions 26 greater amountsaround the periphery of the window.

Second form In FIGURES 7 and 8 is shown a less preferred second form ofthe invention. This window 50 includes first and second panes 52 and 54in spaced relation separated by a circuitous peripheral sealing andspacing ring 56. The ring has a special configuration with an X-shapedcross-section, to have flexible, resilient edge surfaces on the outerends of the two legs against one inner faceand the other two legsagainst the opposite inner face. The ring may be of rubber, plastic orother like material to form an effective seal when compressed betweenthe two panes. Com pression is achieved by evacuation, as by puncturingring 56 with an orifice and needle to gain access to space 60. Uponevacuation of space 60, ambient pressure forces ring 56 to the moreflattened configuration (FIG. 7). This X-shaped quad ring serveseffectively for sealing the periphery of the unit due to its continuousnature and special compressible characteristics resulting from itsshape. To retain the assembly, preferably clamping means 62 C-shaped incross-sectional configuration is attached around the peripheral edge ofthe window. It includes a pair of flanges against the outer faces of thewindow panes, interconnected integrally by its body section against theouter peripheral edges of the panes. The clamp may be continuous ordiscontinuous around the periphery.

Normally, if the window is maintained in an evacuated state, the clampis not essential, but it does strengthen the structure and maintain itssealed and aligned relationship. The clamp is essential if the window isto be returned to a pressure near atmosphere.

Third form In FIGURE is shown another form of the invention preferredover that illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8, but less preferred to thatillustrated in FIGURES 1 through 4. This assembly 70 likewise includespanes 72 and 74 spaced fromeach other, and connected, sealed, spaced andretained in relationship by the special peripheral band 76. This bandincludes a resilient, radially inner element of plastic or rubber,including a pair of resilient flanges and an enlarged bulbous, extendingradially inwardly continuous, head 78, therefrom. The head extendsbetween the panes of glass, around the periphery, to space them and forman inner space 80. Bonded to this resilient element is a metallicdeformable ring strip82 around the periphery ofthe pane.

The edges of each of the panes is beveled to form bevels 84 and 86 onthe corners of the respective panes 72 and 74. With evacuation of space80, as by penetration through a suitable rubber filled gate 88 with ahollow perforating element, the panes are forced against head 78 to sealthe space. The outer edges of ring 82 are then crimped over the beveledglass edges to integrate the structure (FIG. 8). This clamps thestructure effectively around its periphery, enabling the insertion of amoisture-free inert gass in place of the initial vacuum, if desired.

It is conceivable that certain other variations in detail can be formedwith this invention, while retaining the basic concept presented. Itwill be realized that the three different forms of the invention showncould be used in different environments, and that these have definitedifferences making each useful for particular circumstances.

However, they do have certain characteristics in common, and thereforeare included as three varations of the broadest concept presented. Sinceother minor variations could conceivably be made, this invention isintendedto be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and thereasonably equivalent structures to those defined therein.

I claim:

1. A sealed dual pane window comprising: a pair of spaced, like, windowpanes having inner faces, outer faces, and peripheral edges, acircuitous elongated band around the periphery of said panes; said bandhaving a pair of rigid actuator legs extending between said panes, beingin engagement with each other adjacent the pane edges and diverging fromeach other between said panes, said diverging legs beingshiftabletogether with movement of said panes toward each other; eachleg including resilient continuous sealing material in contact with theinner faces of said panes; said band including rigid portions extendingalong the pane edges, and transverse portions extending therefromadjacentthe outer faces of said panes; and said rigid portions beingconnected to said legs to shift toward said edges with shifting of saiddiverging legs together, to thereby cause said transverse portions toclamp over the opposite outer pane faces.

2. A sealed dual pane window comprising: a pair of spaced, like, windowpanes having inner faces, outer faces, and peripheral edges; acircuitous elongated band around the periphery of said panes; said bandhaving a ,pair of rigid flanges in fulcrum abutment with each otheradjacent said pane edges, and extending between said panes, whilediverging from each other toward the inner faces of said panes, tocontact the inner pane faces; said band also having clamping portionsadapted to overlay the outer faces of said panes when said panes areshifted together;

seal means between each of said flanges and said panes and between saidflanges to form a sealed space between said panes; said-divergingflanges being movable together about their fulcrum abutment withshifting of said panes together, and thereby shifting said clampingportions into overlying relationship with respect to portions of theouter pane faces to retain said panes in shifted together position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,916,895 7/1933 Rowe 20-40.52,525,717 10/ 1950 Ottenheimer 52-172 2,565,937 8/1951 Verhagen 52-3042,575,854 11/1951 Verhagen 52-398 X 2,589,064 3/1952 Drake ,526 163,217,454 11/1965 Leisibach 52398 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,013,519 7/1952France.

5,460 3/1914 Great Britain. 673,660 6/ 1952 Great Britain. 102,109 7/1963 Norway.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, REINALDO P.

MACHADO, Examiners.

W. E. HEATON, D. L. TAYLOR, Assistant Examiners.

2. A SEALED DUAL PANE WINDOW COMPRISING: A PAIR OF SPACED, LIKE, WINDOWPANES HAVING INNER FACES, OUTER FACES AND PERIPHERAL EDGES; A CIRCUITOUSELONGATED BAND AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF SAID PANES; SAID BAND HAVING APAIR OF RIGID FLANGES IN FULCRUM ABUTMENT WITH EACH OTHER ADJACENT SAIDPANE EDGES, AND EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID PANES, WHILE DIVERGING FROM EACHOTHER TOWARD THE INNER FACES OF SAID PANES, TO CONTACT THE INNER PANEFACES; SAID BAND ALSO HAVING CLAMPING PORTIONS ADAPTED TO OVERLAY THEOUTER FACES OF SAID PANES WHEN SAID PANES ARE SHIFTED TOGETHER; SEALMEANS BETWEEN EACH OF SAID FLANGES AND SAID PANES AND BETWEEN SAIDFLANGES TO FORM A SEALED SPACE BETWEEN SAID PANES; SAID DIVERGINGFLANGES BEING MOVABLE TOGETHER ABOUT THEIR FULCRUM ABUTMENT WITHSHIFTING OF SAID PANES TOGETHER, AND THEREBY SHIFTING SAID CLAMPINGPORTIONS IN OVERLYING RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO PORTIONS OF THE OUTERPANE FACES TO RETAIN SAID PANES IN SHIFTED TOGETHER POSITION.